Residents of the 150 Mile House Fire Protection Service Area will be voting on two Referendum proposals.
On November 8th the Cariboo Regional District will be seeking voter approval to borrow funds for the construction of a new Fire Hall and borrow funds for a new fire truck, repaid over 10 years instead of 5.
The current Fire Hall originally built by local volunteers has served the community for decades, however, it no longer meets modern safety or building code standards.
The CRD said structural concerns and poor air quality have impacted the department’s ability to use the building effectively, and portions of the hall have already been closed due to safety issues.
“We need to know if people within the Fire Protection Area are in favor of borrowing up to $2.5 million to replace the Fire Hall,” Communications Manager for the CRD Kat Chatten said.
Approximately $1.5 million has been secured through grants, the remaining costs will be financed and repaid over 25 years through a parcel tax of approximately $217 per parcel per year.
“That would help offset the cost of replacing the Fire Hall that is badly needing to be overhauled from the ground up which isn’t worth an investment so a full replacement is what we need,” Chatten added.
CRD Regional Fire Chief Roger Hollander said they deeply respect the legacy left by the community members who built this Fire Hall but it’s no longer safe or suitable for today’s need.
The second referendum question addresses the purchase of a new fire truck over a 10 year instead of the standard 5 years.
The Cariboo Regional District said if passed will not increase the property tax.
Instead they said the longer term provides more flexibility and helps the community manage costs over time without compromising emergency readiness.
Chatten said an Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7 at 6 pm at the 150 Mile Elementary School.
General voting day is Saturday November 8 with advance voting October 29 from 8 am to 8 pm at the Cariboo Regional District Board Room.
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